Show-Me State Times

A Lafayette County jury has found Joel Smith guilty of Statutory Sodomy in the First Degree for repeatedly sexually abusing a five-year-old boy between May and August 2023, according to an announcement from Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway.

During the trial, jurors heard testimony from the victim, now seven years old, his family members, and professionals involved in investigating the abuse. The jury reached its verdict after two hours of deliberation.

“This verdict delivers long-overdue justice for a little boy who endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of a predator,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “Crimes of this nature are among the most vile and destructive in our society, and my Office will use every tool at our disposal to make sure those who brutalize children are locked away where they can never harm again.”

Assistant Attorneys General Tristin M. Estep and Jeff Suddy, Jr. prosecuted the case with support from victim advocate Carrie Boessen and investigator Rob Jauer. Smith was indicted by a Lafayette County grand jury in February 2024. He faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum of life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for October 20, 2025 before Judge Josh Taylor.

“I am proud of the dedicated prosecutors and staff in our Public Protection Section,” said Greg Goodwin, Public Protection Section Chief Counsel. “Their tireless work keeps Missourians safe and ensures that the most dangerous offenders are in prison, rather than roaming free to harm again.”

The Attorney General’s Office highlighted its commitment to public protection through legal advocacy and encouraged attorneys interested in joining their team to explore job opportunities on their website at https://ago.mo.gov/about-us/job-opportunities/.